2014 “Forte” - Trinchero Napa Valley

Black forest cherry, damp tobacco, silky cassis. Blackberry puree, potting soil, creamy dark plum. Eucalyptus and garden mint, vanilla extract and mocha latte. Melted dark chocolate emerges with substantial power and authority, dripping decadently over ripe blueberries and black currant preserve as crushed violet and cinnamon simultaneously impart sensual aromatic lift. Clove, nutmeg, and pretty baking spices continue to radiate from the rich fruit-driven core complimented by licorice and warm espresso. Damp earth and clay make their presence felt through a soft, supple, silken texture that creates an impression of sipping crushed velvet on the palate. Overtly sexy and hedonistic yet remarkably well balanced; done up with just the right amount of plush ripeness and new oak. Full bodied with thick chewy tannin and medium acidity. This 2014 "Forte" by Trinchero Napa Valley is an unabashedly gorgeous and delicious Malbec-based Bordeaux blend.

Malbec was once a major components of many of the most famous wines of Bordeaux, but this noble grape largely fell out of favor after phylloxera's devastation of Europe due to its inability to easily graft to foreign rootstocks. It has since found new life as the flagship red variety of Argentina where it produces full bodied and fleshy wines that are often dark in color and packed with ripe and succulent fruit. This bottling, crafted by Trinchero using primarily Malbec plus a bit of Cab Franc/Petite Verdot/Merlot sourced from around Napa Valley, is an outstanding example of this grape's immense potential in California. This wine's silky mouth-filling fruit and pronounced yet agreeable tannin are irresistible and inviting, and it manages to maintain excellent complexity and depth within its sensual opulence. It is rich and decidedly modern in style - guaranteed to appeal to anyone seeking to experience liquid luxury. Well done!